Families Can Sleep Under a Roof, Hike in Nature, Explore Julian

   On Tuesday, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob joined County Parks and Recreation to open eight new family cabins at William Heise Park in Julian, more than doubling the number of cabins available at the popular mountain park.

   “This park has it all—gorgeous views, plenty of hikes, and easy access to the town of Julian,” said Supervisor Jacob. “These smartly designed cabins invite a huge segment of the population who enjoy getting out in nature, but prefer to sleep on a bed, under a roof.”

   With the new additions, Heise now offers the most cabin sites at a County park— 14—and 103 tent sites.

   Each new cabin sleeps up to six people and offers Wi-Fi internet access, a fireplace and an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. The cabins are situated for views and privacy.

   Seven of the cabins are 14 by 16 feet and, with the exception of a disability-friendly cabin, have two sets of bunk beds in one room and a double bed in a second room. The disabled-accessible design removes the interior wall.

   The cabins are furnished with rustic-style tables, chairs and benches.

   The eighth cabin is 13 by 13 feet and has a single sleeping room with a double bed/single bed bunk bed and second set of single bunk beds.

   Funded with about $540,000 in County General Funds, the new sites were built to meet the demand for more cabins in the scenic park.

   Some 4,200 feet above sea level, 929-acre Heise is forested with oak, pine and cedar trees.

   Though many trees burned in the 2003 Cedar Fire, a natural process of forest regeneration is restoring the park to its pre-fire condition.

   Park patrons are treated to regular visits from wild turkey, mule deer, squirrels, rabbits and lizards. Sometimes campers spot a gray fox, bobcat or golden eagle.

   Visitors enjoy the park’s quietude, views and extensive hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some campers also take advantage of the proximity of historic downtown Julian, about four miles away.

   To reserve one of the new cabins or make a reservation at any of the County’s eight camping parks, visit http://www.sdparks.org.